HEART DISEASE

HOW DOES THE HEART WORK?

• The heart is the hardest working muscle and organ in the body. The average number of heart beats per day 100,000 in order to supply oxygen and nutrients to the body. Blood pumped by the heart also eliminates excess waste products like CO2 to the lungs.

WHAT IS HEART DISEASE?

• Coronary artery disease (CAD), commonly known as heart disease, is a condition in which cholesterol, calcium, and other fats accumulate in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This material hardens forming a plaque that blocks blood flow to the heart. When a coronary artery narrows due to plaque buildup or some other cause, the heart muscle is starved from oxygen and a person experiences chest pain known as angina.

HEART ATTACKS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE

• Sometimes a piece of a fatty plaque in a coronary artery breaks off or ruptures. When this happens, a blood clot forms in the area in response to the injury. The clot may block the flow of blood through the artery, causing a heart attack. Some heart attacks lead to the heart stopping completely, known as sudden cardiac arrest. The heart may also start to beat in a very dangerous rhythm called ventricular tachycardia, which is can be fatal

THE LEADING KILLER

• Heart disease is the leading killer in the United States and affects an estimated 14 million adults. Heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the U.S. than 2-7th leading cause of death combined.

RISK FACTORS OF HEART DISEASE

• Certain risk factors increase the chances of developing heart disease. More common heart disease risk factors include: * High cholesterol * Diabetes * Heart disease in a close blood relative * Obesity * High blood pressure * Smoking * Peripheralpp artery disease (PAD)

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HEART DISEASE

• Many people with heart disease notice symptoms during physical exertion or exercise because more oxygen and nutrients are needed during physical exertion. * Jaw pain * Chest pain * Back pain (typically left-sided) * Shortness of breath * Nausea * Lightheadedness, dizziness * Abdominal pain * Irregular heartbeat * Weakness (especially at rest)

WHAT DETECTS HEART DISEASES

• What is Echocardiography? An echocardiogram is an image of the heart that is created with sound waves. This test can detect heart disease and observe the function of the heart. A normal, healthy heart pumps 50% to 60% of the blood with each heartbeat into the body. A weaker heart will pump less blood with each heartbeat. This is detectable with an echocardiogram and may be a sign of heart disease. Computerized Tomography Tests (CT scans) A cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan is a test that uses X-rays to obtain detailed images of cardiac blood vessels. The test can detect narrowing of blood vessels and is useful in showing the absence of heart disease. Coronary Angiography a Superior Test A coronary angiogram is a test that provides sophisticated X-ray images of the heart. During the test, doctors advance a catheter into the heart after it is inserted into a vein in the groin. A substance called contrast is injected into the coronary arteries so that they can be imaged with X-rays. These X-ray images show the location and severity of blockages in coronary arteries.

CT Scans

• Computerized Tomography Tests (CT scans) A cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan is a test that uses X-rays to obtain detailed images of cardiac blood vessels. The test can detect narrowing of blood vessels and is useful in showing the absence of heart disease.

Coronary Angiogram

• Coronary Angiography a Superior Test A coronary angiogram is a test that provides sophisticated X-ray images of the heart. During the test, doctors advance a catheter into the heart after it is inserted into a vein in the groin. A substance called contrast is injected into the coronary arteries so that they can be imaged with X-rays. These X-ray images show the location and severity of blockages in coronary arteries

TREATMENT METHODS

• Treatment Method for Heart Disease Heart disease treatment differs from person to person. There is no such thing as one uniform treatment that works for everyone who has heart disease. Most heart disease patients are treated with a combination of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes in addition to medication. * Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors decrease strain on the heart by opening blood vessels. * Beta blockers reduce strain on the heart by decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. * Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) increase the efficiency of the heart and decrease heart rate. * Nitroglycerin opens arteries in the heart allowing for increased blood flow. * Statins alter blood lipids (fats in the blood that make up cholesterol) and decrease the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.

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• Beta blockers reduce strain on the heart by decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. * Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) increase the efficiency of the heart and decrease heart rate. * Nitroglycerin opens arteries in the heart allowing for increased blood flow. * Statins alter blood lipids (fats in the blood that make up cholesterol) and decrease the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.

PREVENTING HEART DISEASE

• Some heart disease risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be controlled. However, many other heart disease risk factors can be modified. Eating heart-healthy foods can reduce the risk of heart disease. Heart-healthy foods include fruits, and vegetables. Cholesterol-lowering foods such as beans, soy, chickpeas, garlic, avocados, and olive oil are beneficial. Boost levels of HDL "good" cholesterol by eating nuts. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are good choices, but limit your serving to a small handful as nuts are high in calories. It's a good idea to eat fish and seafood a few times a week to boost intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid sugary foods as they promote heart disease and other chronic conditions.

WORK CITED

• http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisea...
• https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartdiseases.html